Anthony Sherman has been a leader on this Chiefs team since his arrival in 2013, but his time in Kansas City could be coming to an end.

Sherman is currently the third-highest-paid fullback in the NFL. Considering he only made $2 million this season, that tells you just how much the NFL values the position he plays. Fullback is considered a dying position, however the majority of the NFL’s playoff teams in 2018 still use one. That’s likely not a coincidence.

Sherman played the second-most snaps of any fullback making a $2 million average yearly salary. He also had the most special teams snaps, and the least offensive snaps out of any of those players. The Chiefs have a decision to make with Sherman in 2019 as he’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Sherman signed a 1-year deal to remain with the team in 2018, could he possibly do the same again?

Anthony Sheman
FB
Unrestricted Free Agent

Stat

2018 totals

Games Played

16

Games Started

1

Snaps

443

Attempts

1

Rushing Yards

2

Rushing Touchdowns

0

Receptions

8

Receiving Yards

96

Receiving Touchdowns

1

Total Tackles

4

2018 recap

The 2018 season was the most productive season for Anthony Sherman since his first season in Kansas City in 2013. His offensive numbers were the second-highest of his career. Folks will often recall his Week 1 receiving touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. It was easily Sherman’s top play of the season, but he also had several other underrated receptions in 2018. What’s most impressive is that Sherman’s production came on roughly three times less offensive snaps to his career best season.

Sherman’s blocking ability didn’t wane in the slightest, as he still continues to show grit and toughness. He was critical in several 3rd and 4th down run-blocking situations. He also remains a special teams leader, though his tackle production hit it’s lowest point during the 2018 season. That’s not ideal for a player mainly used on special teams.

Projected value: 2-years $4.25 million

Sherman earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2018 for the first time in his career. He also had a tremendous Pro Bowl game, proving that he can be a significant receiving and rushing threat in the NFL. That will only gain him more notoriety among fans and teams in the market for a fullback.

At 30 years old he has potential for one last pay day on the open market in the form of a multi-year deal with some guaranteed money attached. I don’t expect him to net a monster deal like the 49ers gave Kyle Juszczyk, but I feel like he’ll be coveted among teams that still use a fullback. There aren’t many of those teams out there, so it’s possible that works to the advantage of the Chiefs. It’s also possible that he takes less to stay with this team in their pursuit of a Super Bowl.

Will he be back in Kansas City?

I think the Chiefs will allow Sherman to test the market as a free agent, but won’t rule out bringing him back to Kansas City at the right price. As the Chiefs organize their salary cap for the future, a long term commitment to Sherman at a premium might not be an option.

Sherman could mean more to the Chiefs than he does to another team. He’s known for his locker room presence, training camp outfits, and colorful personality. His teammates and coaches love him, so it’s hard to see them wanting to move on for anything other than business reasons.

The Chiefs signed former Packers fullback Aaron Ripkowski to reserve/future deal shortly after the end of the season. They also have former LSU fullback JD Moore under contract. He spent the entire 2018 season on injured reserve, and is a relative unknown. The 2019 draft is another place the Chiefs could easily find an affordable fullback, if they so choose.